He’s been drumming since he was six. He’s collaborated and worked with music top dogs like Nathan East (Daft Punk, Eric Clapton), Greg Howe (Michael Jackson) and Snoop Dogg, among multitudes of others.
Also, he’s got the dreads, and a crazy sense of humour. What’s not to love about Jovol Bell?
In town last weekend with his band, Reality, performing at B Flat bar, Jovol had a hugely animated chat with MetroPlus about his life, his experiences, and also his quirky stage name — Jovol Bam Bam Bell. Excerpts.
So how did your tryst with the drums come to be?
It all started at Church, really. I used to go this church when I was smaller, and there was this lady totally killing the tambourine! And I used to always think “Man, I want to do that”.
But I used to break the tambourine whenever I tried. So I got some drums, and I started practicing everyday for a week, trying to get better and hopefully play in church. You see (chuckling), I have this notorious history of getting kicked out of church, and the Pastor’s wife’s brother used to kick me out religiously, but over time that started reducing. And I even noticed that I was playing more and longer each day, and the secretary of the church actually started letting me stay! So, at the end of church, he finally called my name, and I walked down that aisle, and I played. I like to use my talent, and say “God gave me this”.
How supportive were your parents?
Well, I decided very early on that drumming was what I wanted to do with my life. The thing is, my mom was a dreamer, but her idea was more like “Go for your dreams, but get a job in the process” (grins).
But both my parents were supportive. My mom believed that the world has soldiers, who sharpen their skills, and it’s our job to sharpen our skills.
She asked me one day “What do you see yourself doing the rest of your life that makes you happy?” I said “Drumming”. And she said “There you go”. I’ve mowed grass, cut lawns and cleaned pools, all part of the journey to where I am today.
It must’ve been real exciting drumming with some of the greatest in the industry…
How did I land these gigs? I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I played at the biggest club in downtown Houston seven days a week, and most of these people come there often.
Dave Marcelle heard me play once, and then he spoke about me to others. And they’re wonderful people to play with. Snoopy’s (Snoop Dogg) a super nice guy, and a very regular dude. (Laughs) Everything’s funny with him. And playing with Nathan East was like legend! They’re amazing musicians, and people.
So why ‘Bam Bam’?
That started off in high school, actually. I was playing Kiss , by Prince, and my school friend - we were dating at the time - winked and called me ‘Bam Bam’. It was actually a reference to the character Bam Bam from The Flintstones . She started calling me that in public, and then everyone started calling me that because of my drumming.
And finally I thought, if you’re going to own something, you just own it. So I turned it around and called myself ‘Bam Bam’! The name’s been there since.
And what about the name of your band, ‘Reality’?
Well, that’s an easier story. Basically, everything I went through in my life was different realities, and when you’re listening to us, you’re listening to our reality, along with your reality, and your perception of the two together. I find this concept fascinating.
As a drummer, what do you think about the current scene in English music?
It’s good, it’s always been a melting pot, but the thing is, it’s become changed and limited. I feel like music has lost its swag and soul, and everyone’s just into electronic music. Like where has the real music gone, man? But everything has its place.
